"Basaic Arivaca Page" Arivaca by Basaic

Arivaca Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 52 photos

History

Arivaca was established in the late 1800s. During the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) it hosted cavalry units protecting the US border towns from Pancho Villa. Arivaca has a number of old sites that are of interest including the ruins of an old saloon that is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Today Arivaca is a very proud and friendly small town located in a beautiful area just north of Mexico.

The Bumpy Goose

Arivaca is also listed in the book of curiosities in Arizona because of the "Bumpy Goose" which sits in front of the Artists Coop on the main street of town.

La Gitana Cantina

There is a bar located in town called La Gitana Cantina or the Female Gypsy Bar. It was listed in an Esquire Magazine article about the best bars in the United States. The article stated in part "there are bloodstains on the floor, bullet holes in the walls, and you might get some free dental care on the pool table from a drunk biker with pliers. Seriously.". It also has a sign declaring it the oldest bar in the oldest continuously occupied town in Arizona. (The Hopi, who have occupied Old Oraibi since around 1100 may disagree). I found the bar nice and interesting and the patrons and bartender very friendly, although they looked like they could get pretty rough if you did anything stupid.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:A lively, interesting town with a history

Last visit to Arivaca: Feb 2008
Intro Written Feb 27, 2008
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Reviews (25)

Historic Home Things to Do (20)

This building was built in 1879 as a hotel. During the Mexican Revolution it served as a clinic and the living quarters... more travel advice

Arivaca Human Resources Office - Arivaca

Arivaca Human Resources Office Things to Do (20)

The Arivaca Human Resources Office is located in this building which is another home built before 1900. more travel advice

Historical Home Things to Do (20)

This home was built in the 1880s and still serves as a private residence today. more travel advice

Caviglia's Cafe Things to Do (20)

In the 1930s this building was called Caviglia's Cafe and was a rather wild dancehall. It is now a private residence. more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Friendly People, Historic Bar
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Comments (4)

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Elgringo702 May 17, 2010 at 7:47 AM

My grandpa actually owns this bar. If you've been there a few times, you've gotta know Jerry!
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JLBG Apr 6, 2010 at 9:40 PM

This is the kind of place that I love! I bet that to view birds in the cienaga you must get up very early, just before sunrise! By "old-style gas pump", do you mean those with a handle to pomp by hand, without the need for electricity?
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SLLiew Oct 23, 2009 at 5:55 AM

Great photos. I like that you include photo of a local in your page.
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Yaqui May 29, 2009 at 11:53 AM

I absolutely love places like these. That Bumpy Goose is pretty neat! I really enjoy historical buildings, and thank you for seeking out the ones in this lovely community. Just one of those wonderful hidden treasures Arizona holds.